Search - Jesse Fuller :: Frisco Bound

Master Of The Footdella

08/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What the heck is a footdella, you ask? Well, it was the invention of one Jesse Fuller, born in 1896 in Jonesboro, Georgia. A contemporary of the great Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, Jesse was a one-man band, playing harmonica, a 12-string guitar, a kazoo and, of course, the footdella.



His own unique invention, it's a pedal-operated string bass that can be heard on the previously-unreleased Footdella Stomp, along with a lively harmonica and some scat singing.



The kazoo is clearly evident on the gospel Just A Closer Walk With Thee, a pop hit for Jimmie Rodgers in 1960, and his guitar is featured on Leaving Memphis, 'Frisco Bound and Got A Date At Half Past Eight. Then there's the classic San Francisco Bay Blues which became a staple for several bands in the 1960's folk revival. In fact you can tell just by listening to this fine collection that Jesse Fuller had to have been an influence on Bob Dylan.



An unusual artist, to be sure, but when you listen to this one you'll get the feel of the itinerant blues belters who criss-crossed the land during the Dirty Thirties, singing and playing for their supper. It's a hidden gem."